Eastern Michigan University has a long and supportive history regarding the LGBT communities, and we are all deeply aware and saddened by the recent suicides by LGBT youth across the country, which included two college students. In each of the cases, harassment and bullying, online and in person, were a factor.

These recent incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing acts of hate, bias and discrimination that all too often go unnoticed or unreported in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

It is our utmost priority to provide a safe and caring environment for all of our students, staff and faculty, regardless of their sexual, ethnic and social orientation. I encourage anyone who feels threatened, disrespected, harassed or unsafe to report it immediately. If you observe or witness such behavior, please let us know.

While Eastern is considered to be one of the top LGBT-friendly universities, we must continually educate our campus community about the resources and programs available. The LGBT Resource Center is actively involved in providing information, awareness and resources to the campus community. A letter to the community regarding the recent incidents can be found at www.emich.edu/lgbtrc/. The Center is hosting several campus events this month to raise awareness. Highlights include:

SAFE Campaign: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 3:30 p.m., 310B Student Center

Help create a campus community that is inclusive of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. This is a participatory training session, open to all faculty, staff and students, that covers terms, resources, myths, and our campus climate.